Diana had one friend. Her name was Sage, and Sage got some of the best grades in Ravenwood. They became friends through these opposites. Sometimes, Sage went on a quest, and was allowed to bring Diana with her, so Diana could watch her. One time, Diana was pulled into a battle and Sage had to flee her's to help Diana.

Most days, Sage came to Diana's house after she was done with school and Diana was done with chores. Then they talked about their days. Diana knew almost every student in Ravenwood, and who was dating who, through Sage's gossip. It made her feel good, and more normal.

What was nice about Sage was that she never boasted. She was patient. She treated Diana like an equal.

Today, Sage came prancing down Diana's front yard just as Diana finished watering the flowerbeds. She seemed to be bursting to share some news, but waited until Diana finished and cleaned up.

"You'll never believe what happened!" Sage exclaimed.

Diana took a guess.

"Professor Drake gave you a brownie?"

Sage laughed. "No, better! You know Morganthe? How Professor Ambrose was trying to find someone to track her down and defeat her once and for all? He called me to his office today. He wants me to do it. ME! Can you believe it?"

Diana studied Sage's short golden hair sparkling in the sunlight for a moment before slowly responding, "Did you ask him if I can...?"

Sage nodded. "I asked him. He said he'll think about it. It'll be dangerous..." she bit her lip. "But it's in Khrysalis, that newly discovered world. And he DID say it would be better to bring a companion."

Diana nodded, and shrugged it off. "Come on, lets go to my room. I got the coolest new rug, I want you to see it."

It wasn't that Diana didn't want to hear about the quest. She just didn't want to get her own hopes up.

Later the next day, Sage didn't turn up in the afternoon. Diana was wondering where she was, when a small, blonde haired figure appeared in their Spiral Doorway. Sage ran down the front path faster than lightning, and Diana stuck her head out the window.

"What is it?" she called down. Sage was literally jumping for joy.

"Ambrose said that you can come! He really did! You just need to sign this form..." she pulled out an official looking scroll of parchment.

Diana grinned. If Ambrose trusted her to accompany Sage on an important quest like this, maybe she was getting somewhere.

"Diana also agrees that she will not use any form of magic, except to attempt self defense, or both she and Sage will be removed from the quest and face fines or punishment. Agreed?" Sage looked up from the scroll. Diana nodded and signed. "While Sage agrees that she will not have reason to ask Diana to join her in a battle, unless she faces being defeated or running out of pips." Sage paused to sign.

They had spent the afternoon reviewing the contract, after an argument with Diana's mother about her safety. Diana was practically bursting to grab Sage's hand and run off right away, but she held it in until Sage sealed the scroll and sent it back to headmaster Ambrose.

They sat and waited tensely until Ambrose's owl, Gamma, flew in.

"Headmaster Ambrose has reviewed the contract, and has given permission for you to depart. You may leave now, or take a day of preparation," Gamma hooted. With that, he flew off.

Sage pulled Diana by both wrists to the Spiral Door. She took a small key out of her pocket, with runes spelling KHRYSALIS engraved on it (Diana had memorized rune translations from her textbook, so she knew what it said). Sage stuck the key in the door, turned it, and pushed.

The change in scenery startled Diana. On one side, there was her beautiful, sunny, farm; on the other side there was a dark, foggy set of stairs leading to a big gate. In front of the gate there was a huge creature, it looked like a bee or a wasp.

Sage stuck out an arm, blocking her way. "Wait. Let me go first.

"Welcome to Khrysalis," she added.